Osbourne back on X-Factor

She will join Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger – who have all signed up – on the ITV series when it comes to back to screens later this year.

Osbourne, last on the show as a judge six years ago, had been widely expected to return after it emerged she had been in negotiation with programme chiefs. She said she “couldn’t be happier” about her comeback.

The line-up announcement means show boss Simon Cowell will be absent for a third year. His departure coincided with a ratings tumble for the show which was last year regularly beaten by BBC1 rival Strictly Come Dancing.

Osbourne is reported to have been offered more than £1m for her return.